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Progress of the Reformation
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the Reformation, succeeded only in bringing it to the very brink of
ruin. The Romanists now regained their confidence, and exclaimed
exultingly, “One more effort, and all will be ours.”
Luther at the Wartburg, hearing of what had occurred, said with
deep concern, “I always expected that Satan would send us this
plague.” He perceived the true character of those pretended prophets,
and saw the danger that threatened the cause of truth. The opposition
of the pope and the emperor had not caused him so great perplexity
and distress as he now experienced. From the professed friends of
the Reformation had risen its worst enemies. The very truths which
had brought peace to his troubled heart had been made the cause of
dissension in the church.
In the work of reform, Luther had been urged forward by the
Spirit of God, and had been carried beyond himself. He had not
purposed to take such positions as he did, or to make so radical
changes. He had been but the instrument in the hands of infinite
power. Yet he often trembled for the result of his work. He had
once said, “If I knew that my doctrine had injured one human being,
however poor and unknown,—which it could not, for it is the very
gospel,—I would rather face death ten times over than not retract it.”
And now a whole city, and that city Wittemberg itself, was fast
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sinking into confusion. The doctrines taught by Luther had not
caused this evil; but throughout Germany his enemies were charging
it upon him. In bitterness of soul he sometimes asked, “Can such
be the end of this great work of the Reformation?” Again, as he
wrestled with God in prayer, peace flowed into his heart. “The work
is not mine, but thine own,” he said; “thou wilt not suffer it to be
corrupted by superstition or fanaticism.” But the thought of remain-
ing longer from the conflict in such a crisis, became insupportable.
He determined to return to Wittemberg.
Without delay he set out on his perilous journey. He was under
the ban of the empire. Enemies were at liberty to take his life; friends
were forbidden to aid or shelter him. The imperial government was
adopting the most stringent measures against his adherents. But he
saw that the work of the gospel was imperiled, and in the name of
the Lord he went forth once more to battle for the truth.
With great caution and humility, yet with decision and firmness,
he entered upon his work. “By the word,” said he, “we must refute